New Line Cinema presents a 117 minute PG rated film directed by Adam Shankman and starring John Travolta (Edna Turnblad), Nikki Blonsky (Tracy Turnblad), Amanda Bynes (Penny Pingleton), Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad), Zac Efron (Link Larkin), Elijah Kelley (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle), Michelle Pfeiffer (Velma Von Tussel), Brittany Snow (Amber Von Tussel), James Marsden (Corny Collins), Allison Janney (Prudy Pingleton), Taylor Parks (Little Inez) with Brooke Engen (Doreen), Tiffany Engen (Noreen), Sarah Francis (Janetta), Tabitha Lupien (Becky), Hayley Podschun (Tammy), Cassie Silva (Brenda), Shane Simpson (Skillet), Jerry Stiller (Mr. Pinky) and Becca Sweitzer (Darla).
Based on the 1988 screenplay, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I never got to see the Broadway version so cannot compare it but based on this big screen rendition I found myself laughing aloud and tapping my feet to what is surely a brilliant soundtrack and a must see musical theatrical treasure.
As the film opens to a wonderful new big screen discovery Nikki Blonsky who plays Tracy, singing "Good Morning Baltimore" while on her way to school, I knew right from the get go this film was going to be enjoyable. Even the flash of John Waters on the streets of the city was an eye opener within her moment of song and dance. Tracy's big dream in life was to dance on the Corny Collins television show which she watches after school with her best friend Penny Pingleton, humorously acted by Bynes, against her bible thumping mother Prudy Pingleton's best wishes.
When one of the regular girls has to take a leave of absence for nine months the shows station manager at WYZT television station, Velma, takes open auditions to replace her. But bigotry and vanity on behalf of Velma and her egotistical three time "Miss Hairspray" daughter, Amber, banish Tracy from the competition because of her size and big hair.
Life at the Patterson school district seemed to be the typical cliques and clichés but in the sixties segregation was the way of life. Tracy breaks out into a song, "I can hear the bells" about her one true love from the dance show, Link, which once again showcases this girls strong theatrical talents. Soon Tracy discovered detention which was always filled with Negro students dancing their way through the ticking of time creating new moves which they showcased on Negro Day at WYZT. Friendships develop amongst Tracy and the black students and once again she follows her dreams to one day dance on the Corny Collins show, a role superbly played by James Marsden.
Against her mothers wishes but blessed with her fathers Tracy becomes one of the dancers and outperforms every other girl on the program winning the hearts of her television fans. It's the sixties out there and time for Edna to leave the house which she hasn't since 1951 and become her daughters manager. When Mr. Pinky wants Tracy as a spokesperson for his Hefty Hideaway store, Edna breaks out of the house and into song and dance. Travolta was a treat to watch in this role even though I struggled at times to get past hearing his voice and seeing Edna's face but one thing for sure this man, in this case woman, can still dance whether alone, with Tracy or even with her husband Wilbur, delightfully played by Walken.
The evil Velma of course won't stand for this and does everything in her powers to knock Tracy out of the shows graces and get her daughter Amber back on top. Considered a chubby communist because of her friendships with the Negro community and her support of "Negro Day" with Motormouth Mayabelle, she is eventually cast from the program along with the one dance day for the black community. If one cannot dance than they can march and they do right down the streets of Baltimore with Tracy and Edna leading the way carrying signs of black and white unite. In this moment, pay special attention to the Queen for she is sure to burn bright amongst the signs of equality. But when Tracy becomes a fugitive on the run due to a confrontation with police she has one goal in mind which is to rocket her cause and integrate rather than segregate the Baltimore community.
In the end this film was a mixture of white and chocolate delights sure to titillate your senses. As another great film quote once said, "life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you're gonna get" and with this phenomenally directed, acted and scored film you get just that sensation. I loved it and can definitely sit through it once again to savor every line, dance and song so brilliantly performed by the entire cast. On July 20th break out your cancer can of chemicals at least once, style that hairdo and make a date with a toe tapping, fun loving, comedic musical drama laced with an important message fitting for all to see and hopefully learn something from along the way.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.